Fire up the grills for Memorial Day picnics

Grills across the country are getting revved up as meals move to the outdoors. Grilling is one of the healthiest ways to prepare food. A variety of healthy foods can easily be cooked on the grill.

Vegetables can simply be washed and cut in half for grilling: sweet and white potatoes, onions, bell peppers, eggplants, zucchini, and yellow squash. Carrots, corn, and mushrooms can be grilled whole. Brush the vegetables lightly with olive oil. The vegetables should be at room temperature before cooking.

Meats (beef, pork and poultry) can be tenderized with marinades prior to grilling. This is especially helpful with very lean cuts of meat. Combine marinade ingredients in a zip-lock bag. Add meat to the bag and seal. Marinate in the refrigerator before cooking on the grill.

Coleslaw made with red and green cabbage, as well as red onions and bell peppers is terrific when tossed with a cooked oil and vinegar dressing.

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About The Author

Rita Smith is a a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. She's been working in the field of nutrition and disease prevention for more than 35 years, and currently works at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, Va. Each week, Rita provides nutrition counseling to clients who have a variety of disorders or diseases including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis, and weight management. For these clients, food choices can help manage their health problems.